Vail Pet Talk: Top 10 Christmas and holiday hazards for pets

<b>Special to the Daily</b>Veterinarians Charlie Meynier, pictured here, and Tom Suplizio practice at the Vail Valley Animal Hospital and ER, with locations in Eagle-Vail and Edwards that offer comprehensive small animal medicine and surgery.

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1. Christmas tree: Make sure it is well secured to prevent tipping or falling. Avoid any water preservatives that can be toxic to pets.

2. Holiday plants: Holly and mistletoe need to be hung with care because they can be extremely toxic to pets when eaten.

3. Candles: Lit candles should never be left unattended.

4. Lights and electrical cords: Secure and place with care. These can be devastating to the chewers in the house causing intestinal obstructions or a burned mouth.

5. Ornaments: Tinsel and ribbons can cause terrible obstructions when eaten and be wary of low lying sharp or breakable ornaments just waiting for a happy tail or a curious cat.

6. Leftovers: Fatty, spicy foods and bones can cause severe and even life threatening diarrhea, vomiting and obstructions.

7. Cocktails: Keep all alcoholic beverages up and away from exploring pets. If alcoholic beverages are ingested by dogs and cats it can cause severe injury.

8. Medications: All medications should be securely stored and put in safe places to avoid accidental ingestion.

9. Stress and company: With parties afoot be wary of stressed animals and open doors. Make sure pets are kept in a safe and comfortable room with a collar and preferable a microchip to prevent lost or missing love ones.

10. Finally, New Years: The pop of a fire work or noise maker can terrify some pets and cause severe stress and escape. Light music in a quiet safe area of the house can do wonders. If this doesn't do the trick, speak to your veterinarian about safe sedatives.

Feel free to email questions to charlie@vailvalleyanimalhospital.com. Veterinarians Charlie Meynier and Tom Suplizio practice at the Vail Valley Animal Hospital and ER, with locations in Eagle-Vail and Edwards that offer comprehensive small animal medicine and surgery. On-call vets are available after hours, and an emergency hospital in Edwards is open 24 hours a day, with a doctor on the premises weekends and holidays. For more information, call 970-926-3496 or visit www.vailvalleyanimalhospital.com.